Pat McAfee defends Cam Ward for sitting out second half of Pop-Tarts Bowl for Miami
Pat McAfee defended Cam Ward for playing just one half for Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl which became a hot topic.
Without Ward in the lineup in the second half, Miami lost to Iowa State 42-41 after getting off to a hot start. Some argued he should’ve played the whole game or not at all.
Whether Ward played a half or full game, McAfee loved seeing him out there.
“The fact that he played, I was pretty pumped up that he was playing in this particular game,” McAfee said.
What was even crazier were some people suggesting he just come back in after sitting out the entire second half. As in, come back in for the final drive.
“Cam Ward could’ve come back in down one, fourth quarter,” McAfee said sarcastically. “Okay, he’s standing there on the sideline. How long’s he been standing there for? What about an hour and 15 minutes? Just hop back in there, do one drive downfield. What are we talking about … I understand why people are (talking about him quitting on his team). I think somebody brought it up last week on the program about, like should Shedeur Sanders and Travis play the entire game?”
Top 10
- 1
Kirby Smart
Calling out Sugar Bowl refs
- 2Trending
Mocking Beamer
Juice Wells trolls Shane Beamer
- 3New
Kirby on Parker Jones
Addressing sideline incident
- 4
Irish shock Georgia
Notre Dame advances to CFP semis
- 5Hot
Notre Dame vs. Penn State odds
Orange Bowl point spread released
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Ward’s decision, or team decision, definitely caused conversation surrounding if players should risk it before the NFL Draft or fulfill obligations in the case of NIL. As it relates to Ward and Miami, the details are a little murky.
“I don’t know if this can become the new normal,” McAfee said. “I think there is a chance that, like, some of the NIL bonus money and deals that have been signed, I think the bowl game is a part of that. Like there’s an incentive to play in bowl games. So I think you start however many games too.
“I think that is a part of some of these deals that have been written out. What do these deals mean on April 8, when the revenue share comes in? I don’t know, but I think that is why we saw some people playing.”Ward will head to the NFL now and discussion about his second half opt out might dissipate when it’s all said and done.”
The Hurricanes QB, along with Sanders, are expected to be the top two signal callers available in the 2025 NFL Draft.